EC asks sports ministry to reply on C'wealth Games ad

TNNApr 1, 2009, 02.27pm IST

NEW DELHI: In an indication that EC might take a stern view of Commonwealth Games advertisement after poll dates were announced, the commission on Tuesday asked the sports secretary to explain by Wednesday evening the linkages between the Commonwealth Games Organising Committee and the sports ministry.

Having already said that the cost of advertisement should be recovered from officials who gave the order, EC will fix responsibility after it receives reply from the sports ministry.

Deputy election commissioner R Balakrishnan said EC had issued orders to ministry of youth and sports, Delhi government and cabinet secretariat. After receiving their replies, EC summoned sports secretary on Tuesday.

In another order, EC asked Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi to be careful in future about taking help of government officials during private visits. There was a complaint against Gogoi that on a private visit to Kolkata, he had taken help of government officials. After receiving his reply, EC let him off with a warning.

Balakrishnan said EC has decided not to proceed with any action against SP chief Mulayam Singh Yadav for allegedly distributing money to people on Holi in his village Saifai. Sources said EC was told that it was a common practice during Holi. Balakrishnan, however, refused to comment on the allegation that the EC was soft on Mulayam but was harsh on BJP candidate from Pilibhit Varun Gandhi.

However, EC is still looking into Mulayam's alleged sexist remarks against the Mainpuri district magistrate-cum-returning officer. A notice was issued to him on Monday.

Balakrishnan said EC was looking into the complaint against home minister P Chidamabaram for making a political statement during an official briefing. Chidambaram had attacked Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi for Godhra riots. It was not in response to a question but was part of the statement issued by him on IPL. Modi had said not holding IPL in India was a national shame. Chidambaram had retaliated by saying that post-Godhra riots was a national shame.

EC also clarified that there was no restriction on the number of vehicles used during election campaign. However, he said candidates should seek prior approval of returning officer and all vehicles should display original copy of permit on the windscreen.

As for number of vehicles that could be used in convoy, Balakrishnan said the earlier limit was three but now it has been lifted. "After receiving feedback there is no restriction on number of vehicles to be part of convoy but it is left to the local police to decide how they can move," he explained. He also said that any vehicle being used should be part of the election expenditure.

Asked about EC action on audio CD of Varun Gandhi, Balakrishnan said the complainant has been asked to give more inputs.